Latest news with #RobbieStaples
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Scheme to support Wexford's ‘Forgotten Farmers' opens for applications
The farmers who had started farming in 2008, were under the age of 40 in 2015 did not receive young farmer installation aid and were not eligible for young farmer supports under the Common Agricultural Policy from 2015. Among the criteria required to be eligible for this support is that the applicant became the head of an agricultural holding for the first time before 2008 and did not benefit under the Basic Payment Scheme National reserve. 'It's great to see this anomaly being addressed with the opening of application for this scheme. So many farmers across the country have waited for this issue to be addressed' said Cllr Robbie Staples. '€5 million was allocated for this scheme in the budget to ensure that these farmers get access to this vital scheme. The government also committed to deliver a scheme that recognises the Forgotten Farmers in the Programme for Government.' Online applications can be submitted until 5.30pm on August 13, 2025 at
Irish Independent
01-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Relief may finally be on the way for areas of Wexford town plagued by water issues
For people living on higher ground in Wexford town in areas such as Whiterock Hill and Mulgannon, issues with water pressure and service interruptions have become part of life. Back in April, things came to a head once again as a creche on Whiterock Hill was forced to close at short notice, leaving 42 families scrambling for alternative childcare, due to the taps having run dry. It's something that residents there were experiencing, on average, twice a month for periods of up to and beyond 24 hours. With frustrations reaching boiling point, Fine Gael councillor Robbie Staples has tentatively provided a positive update and a sign that there may be light at the end of the tunnel. 'I've been engaging with Uisce Éireann on this for quite some time now,' he said. 'Early on, they indicated to me that their pumps on the Fardystown supply were in need of upgrade. "I had correspondence with them during the week and they are now saying that they hope to upgrade the pumps before the Fleadh in August. Nothing is one hundred percent guaranteed and I won't be satisfied until I see the work has actually been carried out, but I'd be hopeful that this work will alleviate some of the long-running issues in these areas.'
Irish Independent
15-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Picturesque Wexford beach attracts over €200,000 in funding for improvement works
With a €1.2 million water sports activity centre due to be completed at Curracloe beach towards the end of the summer, there was further good news in relation to infrastructure at the beach as it was revealed Wexford County Council has managed to secure additional funding for other works there. With the existing boardwalk having seen better days, funding of €88,639 has been allocated for improvements, which includes works to retain the sand dunes there. €58,145 has been allocated for a dedicated pedestrian walkway across the car park, while €38,051 will go towards the provision of set down parking and bus drop-off spaces. There will be some improvements for those looking to relax in the sun too, with €23,260 allocated to a hardstanding/rest area and accessible seating and benches. These benches will be fully wheelchair accessible and will include bicycle and mobility parking. Finally, €2,000 will also be provided to install an accessible water fountain at the beach entrance. Local Fine Gael councillor Robbie Staples was over the moon with the news. "I'm really delighted with this funding," he said. 'It will ensure that access between the beach and the new facilities, for all users.' When asked about a timeframe for the works to be carried out, Cllr Staples was hopeful. "It's intended that the design work on these measures will begin immediately," he said. 'Construction will begin after the 2025 Blue Flag season has ended, around mid-September.'
